A couple of times I’ve been going to the wind shelter at Snasahogarna in November-December. During this period it is quite still and silent in the mountains. Long gone is the herds of tourists and hikers, and even the animals has prepared for the upcoming Winter period. The feeling is that being total alone. What is interesting is that in a sudden the life follows the nature. Early in bed, and late up in the morning. But you eat when you are hungry and sleep when you are tired. No time get hold onto you. You are in the present, and one with the nature and yourself. Just going with the day. This is how it feels with the origin of life. It is to seldom…

I’ve been blogging about tent before, and  here some more details of the topic. Today there are two different basic types of tent in the market; Dome and Tunnel tent. So first of all you must ask yourself -For what will you use the tent. This not from the perspective of what you will be doing, but rather more from a where-when-and how you will use it. The more demanding and varied use you subject your tent to, the higher safety, ease of handling and versatility you need. Strength, weight and safety will be important areas in choosing. So will you have a basecamp for ski tours, or are you going for a  long tour in Sarek? This will for example make two different kind of choice of tent. Be aware of not choosing light weight by default, because this will end up in less safety, strength and comfort…If you out at the adventure by your own or together with others will also affect your choice of tent. A good thing is to go up one size, for getting more space (it’s not much more weight). The tunnel variant will weight less, and will be easier to set up. But you must be aware of how the wind blows, for this type is more wind sensitive. It will have more space for cooking and store stuff. The dome variant will be more comfortable with often a higher construction, and more stable and less independent of the wind.

Good tips while tenting:

In most of the tents there is space in the slots for poles for an extra ones…Which means you can improve the stability easy. So if you bought a three season tent and are going out for a winter tour, this can be a way to improve the tents stability. Always bring the repair kit for the tent, and an extra safety pin (sv. säkerhets nål) for being able to use a broken zipper. Condensation will always be a problem; keep wet gear outside of the inner tent. The condensation comes from the difference of heat between the inside and outside of the tent. So use the ventilation solutions to bring less moisture. A Wettex cloth in the storage bag I good for removing the worst of the moister before you pack down the tent. If you have place for it it can be a advantage to have an extra “floor” under the tent for reducing condensation from the ground cold. I also put a carabiner in the end of the tent so I easy now which side I will set up first. I also can attach the tent so myself so it wont go away with the wind.

DT James & Kimbo – Voices (Lyrics) (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

As a instructor and examiner and with my network I spend a lot of time with different kinds of guides. First of all, it is interesting why people become guide. But it seems as one of the main driver is to show people the fantastic environment in the mountains. I realize also that is often also is for knowledge and skills. So in a environment where all almost put them self in the first room, the guides want to give you a experience. From my point of view (and I said this before) you can get a lot of value of your tour by using a guide, if just for a day or so. But at the same time it is important to be selective when choosing your guide. The reason for that, is that all guides that I meet, all of them got different skills and experience. One will be a good chef, another is expert at flowers and the third knows the history of the area in detail. In the ground all are good in guiding but got there own ”flavor” on the guiding…So rethink what you want to have out of the guide and choose the one that bring up to your expectations.

This weekend I went to Skulskogen, this for reconnoiter the trails and cabin for the upcoming winter. The High coast trail goes trough the national park and its in it self a really nice trail. But this time we went to the North portal of the park, and choose the trail to Tärnättvattnets wind shelter. From here we continued to Näskebodarna which is really nice. Now we went to the north with Tärnätts islets,  here it was fantastic nice with a lot of good places for a night in tent and also really good cabins. This one at the mid islet was build with three different room and with a stove. So now I got a good idea of nice winter tours in the area.

(Skuleskogen delivers as usual…)

So far this year it ahs been a lot of nice tours: Ice climbing in January, IML examination in Norway February, Funäsdalen in March, Snasahögarna and Bydalen in April, Voss in May, and Skuleberget Via Feratta in June, and Ljungdalen/vargtjärnsstöten in August, Åre/Vålådalen, Skuleskogen in September a nice adventure year so far…

NSH, Atch & Hobes – Morning Sun (Lyrics) (youtube.com)

Next week it will be about tents….

See ya soon…

Today at 14.43 the autumnal equinox falls. So the Summer is at is end. Now it is Autumn and it will be until 10.20 am 21th of December. Worth to know is that at the north pole this is a beginning of six month of darkness, while at the south pole the autumnal equinox is the prelude to six months of uninterrupted daylight.

With us northerners and the equivalent in the south, the length of the days and the position of the sun in the sky change so much that we have four seasons, while in the tropics there are only two. I think that is something to be grateful for.

Autumn makes us a little melancholic and a sense of melancholy. A feeling that I think is very nice. Now we get time for some reflection and think about what we have done and what we have ahead of us. This, of course, with an underlying optimism. At this time, I usually think about those in mountain environments. What a short summer they have. But on the other hand, a fantastic spring winter that we partly miss. So light a candle, brew a good cup of coffee or tea, and reflect of all you have felt and accomplished. A new season is on its way…

(Photo Jonas Brunnemyr) The last weekend I was training 19 upcoming Mountain Leaders as you read about in the last blog. Today I will dig a bit deeper in the training. The first day is a lot about what UIMLA and SFLO is for type of organization and under what umbrella they sort under. It is also a lot about what are expected of you as an International Mountain Leader. IML leadership and It is also theory about river crossing and emergency bivouac. It also includes a lecture in mountain Weather. It is also contains a introduction to the speed navigation. The ground here is to explain the difference between orienteering and navigation.

At last I will end up with a continuously review of the Helikon-Tex Pilgrim Anorak. This jacket can be compared to Garphyttan orginal Anorak or Fjällräven Anorak 8m. The shell of this anorak is in Duracanvas. It is light weight and quick drying. Inside it is lined with a mesh, which will give a lot of opportunities. It gives a lot of options of pockets, which Helikon-tex fully used. And it is also god for a air gap during the cold season for warming up the air in between. With al of details and price wise this is a really good choice. So the rating will be: (NNNN+) and now you wonder why not (NNNNN)? The reason is that you must bring a shell during moister and wet days.

Hem igen (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

This weekend i went to Åre, I have got the opportunity to hold the introduction course for the Wilderness class. So the whole program started with a whole day of theory. It is actually a pleasure to be able to work both indoors with theory, and then go out and carry out practical moments. So holding lecture in leadership and responsibility, and working with your own values and attitudes for example was one part. The day ended up by explaining the Speed navigation test. In the next morning we then we carried out the speed navigation test. This with mixed result:-). But all got the reflection, that this is area that might be a good area to train. When everyone was done the next target was Vålådalen for a ”mini expedition”.

From Vålådalen it was time to work with micro-navigation, and lead a group at the same time. So here you must have or at least train for having the ability to having overview at the same time as you shall now exactly where you are. So after a couple of navigation leg, we arrived to the night camp. But if anyone thought that this was the day, would end up disappointed. dusk and night navigation stood at the door. So after a couple of navigation legs, then it was time for a couple of hours of rest. (with a speed navigation test in the body, and a lot of micro-navigation the student fell at sleep). A crisp night and morning. But with a coffee the new day get up to speed.

This day we have a couple of navigation legs, and then it was time for pointing out coordinates for a helicopter rescue. When that was done we talked a bit of weather prognostication, and also the river crossing technique.  So overall a lot of different skills that is connected with the International Mountain Leader training. So we as instructors we where very satisfied with the course…

Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus – II MOST WANTED (Official Lyric Video) (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

Today I will start with the review of the Helikon-tex Pilgrim jacket. This is a really nice jacket/Anorak.  It has draw string in both the end and in the waist. This is very good because it ill be very flexible and also with losing it up, it will be good for the ventilation. It also got ventilation under the arms. It got pocket all over, at the arms, at the chest and the side of the chests and also the kangaroo pocket as is a signum for anoraks…I have not been tested this in hard core, but so far I am more than satisfied…(NNNNN).

At the moment I am preparing for training the students at Campus Åre, which will become Mountain Leader quite soon. I will held a short introduction of the IML process, and some tests and also a mini-expedition. I really like the moment of becoming an instructor, you have to step up and you always learn a lot from the participants of a course.

Another reflection done lately is that the environmental effect of the warm up situation is that the mountains will be affected. At Kebnekaise we now can see a lot sign of the impact of that. This meaning that the Mountain safety has to be checked and  thought out. The glaciers are melting, The snow cover melts and avalanches will increase and also landslides. Increasing of heavy snowfall and also breakouts from glacier lakes, so it will affect us all.

Ronnie Davis – I Won’t Cry [Official Video 2016] (youtube.com)

See ya at Monday….will be off Sunday.

This week has been a good workout week. With 9 workouts within seven days is rally good. Four workouts at the gym, and five trail running. One of them 70s x 20s  x 8 intervals. So still going strong:-).

One of my favorite spot will be Sonfjället. readily available, somewhat unknown and with a fantastic view over Jämtland and Härjedals mountains. This area and mountains are something that you usually just pass by. But it is so well worth a visit. It is one of the most bear-rich areas in Sweden. You can easily reach the ”Högfjället” from three direction, but I will suggest two of them. The first the blue one. You start from Nysätern, hike trough the Sododalen, you can stay at the wind shelter and continue in south direction until you reach a small pond. From here you start the ascend in north east direction, you will pass two peaks before you reach Högfjället 1277m. My other suggestion will be to start from Dalsvallen, and you heading fo the same pond, and the same way up towards Högfjällets peak. The way back will be trough Sododalen , with a possibility to stay one of the two wind shelter for lunch etc. If you are lucky you might see a golden eagle here as well…

This week and next week I will test the Helikon-tex Pilgrim Anorak jacket. This is a ”tactical” jacket. Wind proof, and with lot of pockets. It can be waterproofed with wax, and the weight of the jacket is 1kg. With a zipper in the middle as usual at a anorak, it has good ventilation possibilities, it also got zippers for ventilation under the arms. So what is my first judgement of this garment? I like the anorak model, even if its a bit ”old fashion”. Since it not waterproof, you still need a shell with you (that is a minus from my point of view) This looks like a real nice bush craft jacket.  But still more to come after checking it…

This week I will start a  series of articles on hidden or forgotten mountain cabins. We start this week with the Sårjåsjaure cabin. This is unmanned, and open all year around. With its 10 beds and the glacier lake it is worth a visit, it is situated in ”no where” but if you approaching the Nordkalott-trail you will find it on your way…

Coffee makes the world go around. Tired of the instant coffee at you tours, now you got an alternative. The No normal coffee is a tube coffee – yes you read it right coffee on a tube. This has a taste of nuts, chocolate and caramel.  Squeeze it in the cup, pure some water and you there…and the cost? 170:- for 20 cups…

Paolo Nutini – Candy (Official Video) (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

(Renhornet resort in winter ”clothing” I can hardly recommend a stay here)

I think we can introduce the fall now. After a nice summer the calendar starts to get filled in. Last week the Swedish Mountain Safety council held its fall meeting. The place for this year’s autumn meeting was Ljungdalen, more specifically the postvallen and the renhornet resort. As usually it was a lot of topics at the agenda. The first day was just checking the agenda, and formality. Monday I started the day with a morning run.  A nice start of the day by running in the Kesudalen to Kesusjön. Then we went for a hike towards Stortuvan and Vargtjärnsstöten. During the hike we stopped for a couple of times listening to different lectures. I was (The author holding a lecture for the Mountain Safety Council/Photo Carl Lundberg)  also holding a lecture about status within the Mountain leader council. The afternoon we got some ”free” time and I went for a second run. The evening we spend at Helags tavern in Ljungdalen with a lecture from the Sami in the area. Tuesday started as usual with a run and than a continuing with the agenda and presentations. Summarizing The meeting was good with a lot of important topics and well spend time. 

As you probably know, there has been a couple of incidents in the mountains last time. One of the was the pair that been late after a hike in Sarek area. Without having the whole picture and so on, I still got some findings here. It is important to have a good communication with relatives so it not starting a rescue action without reason. A PLB is a good investment or why don’t you rent one, then you can have a good communication with the world around…

So what’s coming up now? Well I will train the Campus Are students about the IML process in a Introduction. I will also probably go th the annual meeting with UIMLA in Macedonia in November and a weekend ”training the trainers” new IML instructor’s in Jämtland in November as well.  Who says I am resting ”off seasons”:-)

See ya soon…

Nattali Rize – One People [Official Video 2017] – YouTube

Todays topic is one of my favorite, and I will never stop talking about it. It is because it is so important and you can always find something new to learn about the area. So here we go again with Mountain Safety.

First of all the planning. It is always interesting and funny to plan the trip. Checking the map, and start the planning. So when you looking at the map start figure out what hazard that can includes the route choice/activity you planning. Next step check the weather forecast, does it fit with your planning? How can the present weather affect you (don’t forget that it can be cold weather even in the summer). Are you physically prepared and fit for the activity/route you planning?! Do you have the skills due to navigation, first aid etc. For the plan?. Luck favors the well prepared…Leave details of your plan/route and expected return time to relatives or friend. Make sure you got the right equipment,(there are lots of website’s you can use) Carry a mobile phone and also a power bank. Bring a first aid kit. Check it so you know what’s in it and how to use (don’t forget to bring aspirin) communication system, what do you do if you got trouble with the phone (PLB’s such as SPOT or InReach) Think before calling out help, and plan for as far as possible for not need external rescue. Always have defined evacuation route for bad weather, injuries or white out. That its all for today…

Plavi Orkestar Ljubi Se Istok i Zapad (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

Last week I took a tour towards Funäsdalen. On Friday I started with a peak tour with the husky up to Funäsdalsberget with a fantastic morning view over the area. After breakfast we went to the Anderssjöåfallet and a tour to Storvålen. The next day we went to the area of Storskarven, and got a real nice mountain day which ended up in Ramundberget with hike close to Ljungan.

I also got some time for trail running..

One of the morning I went to the local coffee shop as I often do. We are a couple of regular customers who sit together and talk about anything and everything. When I sat down with my coffee and join the conversation, a new acquaintance was in place and in just a couple of seconds I realized I really didn’t like the person. After just a couple of seconds he have pushed my ”shrink” button. This made me think about the situation, and I realized that I have learned something about this meeting. One thing is that how important communication is and also that is you and just you who chose your feelings. So lets start with the communication part. Think about how important it is how and what you communicate. what kind of feeling are you conveying? This is very important to start with. To whom are you communicating? What are the essence, what do you want – stop ”hide” your message, be clear (but kind of course).  Make sure to get an acknowledgment of your message, this by dialogue. The other thing is to understand why I got the feeling I got in the situation. In this particular situation it was because he used ruler technique within his communication. But still it is my choice to choose feelings…So there I got my lesson.

The Dead South – People Are Strange [Official Music Video] – YouTube

Dubravka Jusic – Harakiri (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

Sometimes I think we make our life a bit harder and more complex than it should be. Hm. This is probably a sign that I am getting old, this by me reasoning about it😊. We always strive for something better, but think if we are living in the paradise at the moment…That this is the paradise we will experience. With that as a starting point and perspective, it will be quite interesting. Now we can start talking about doing the right things or doing things right?! All of a sudden we probably will get the right feeling of what to do. So, ok don’t get me wrong. I really like the thought of karma, but think if we are living our paradise at the moment, it will not get better than this. All things that matters will be important, and the other “stuff” will not be so prioritized or? Who am I, that is a good question to ask. Use a couple of minutes in silence to reflect of this.  What identifies you with and that resonates with you and that you like and care about. So what will you do with your paradise?

(The author in the Sylarna massif in 1994 and still active in the service of the Swedish army…)

It’s the small thing that matters, we always talk and write about stuff such as tent, sleeping bags and etc. But the small things that I always bring is not so common to talk about. So today I will do that.

Tent pegs. It is important to have good tent pegs. I use Sydvang titanium peg, this ones have good tensile strength and is light. It’s good to invest in a good pegs.

Power bank, this I have write a lot about. But choose a good one for the use that you need. For a long tour you might need a one with 20000mAh. Pot grabber, is a nice thing to have. With this you can grip any pot, without burning you fingers. spoon. I always bring a long spoon in my inner pocket of the jacket. Then it is always ready for use. The Spice missile, from GSI is a must. With this all food will be tasty, and you can bring your favorite spice. Body wash, hygiene is important in the field and you need to take care of yourself. With Sea to summit pocket body wash you got 50 soap leaves for cleaning yourself. Extra headlamp and torch, I always carry a extra headlamp and a torch, this because I want to be sure of having light if necessary. Toothpaste tabs, still in the hygiene area. It can be difficult to brush your teeth in the adventures but this will be helping you with that.  Bivvy bag, it is always good to bring a bivvy bag. With this you got a emergency sleep bag and you can easy make a emergency “wrap” if needed. Water purification, This is important to bring for being sure that the water is clean. Just bring a couple of tablets for that reason.  A pot grip, is a perfect universal tool to use for all pots. And at last today will be a thermometer (with altimeter as well) This is very good to have control over the temperature and also the level of height. I think that will be all for today…

Vi kommer aldrig att dö (2009 Version) (youtube.com)

Iggy Pop and David Bowie – The Passenger (Rare Metalized Version) (youtube.com)

See ya soon…